It begins with attitude. Look at Ben Affleck, a winner in his profession. Speaking to reporters after his picture “Argo” won an Academy Award, Affleck was asked how he felt about missing out on the Best Director award.

“You know what? You’re not entitled to anything,” he said. “I’m honored to be here, I’m honored to be among these extraordinary movies, and I’m really, really honored to win an Academy Award.”

What a perfect attitude in any walk of life.

He’s grateful for what he has, and doesn’t feel entitled to any more.

It calls to mind Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, the man who broke baseball’s color barrier. He called his autobiography “I Never Had It Made.”

Robinson and Affleck share an idea that seems out of date these days, namely, that you have to work for everything you get.

If you can catch their attitude, you can achieve great things, just like they did.